Northern Ireland First Minister welcomes decision to halt controversial parade

After the Parades Commission voted to allow a contentious parade to follow its historic route for the first time in almost 30 years, a prolonged confrontation unfolded on Garvaghy Road. Residents had endured weeks of anxiety, fearing the march would be imposed on their community. Sir Chris Bryant’s late-stage intervention reversed the commission’s ruling, leading First Minister Michelle O’Neill to call the move the “right decision” while lamenting its delay.

O’Neill told RTÉ’s Late Late Show that the community had been living with a “cloud” over them and that the decision would allow them to sleep easier. She also affirmed her willingness to support any subsequent processes required and noted she was unaware of a letter sent to Sinn Féin president Mary-Lou McDonald from the PSNI.